wednesday weigh-in: weeks 17-38

If you couldnt tell by the huge gap between the weeks in the title of this post, I have been a major slacker in updating you all on my progress with Weight Watchers. The last time I checked in on the blog was back in May. In short, I want to start off by saying that I have had positive results, however, it hasnt always been the easiest over the past few months, evidenced by my below progress report.

You can see there were a couple of weeks I skipped, and *gasp* a few weeks where i actually gained back more than I would have liked. That last spike, the week of Sept 19th, when i hadnt tracked a single thing for 2 whole weeks, and I undoubtedly gained a whopping 4.8lbs, that was my last straw. You see, basically since June Ive plateaued. Ive been in that grey area where i either need to step it up or give up. And i sure as hell was NOT giving up. As i stated in my very first check in, back in January, this time is different. Im not doing this for some grand event (graduation, wedding, etc), although those are good mini goals this time around, its not my main goal.

My #1 goal this time around is to do it for good. To make this a lifestyle change. To be healthier for me. For my son. For my husband. Yes, its nice to look thinner, but thats really not all that its about this time. A major perk, most definitely, but its more about being able to teach my son healthy habits. To be able to play with him outside without feeling winded. To be happier with myself, thus happier with my relationship with my husband.

Im officially back to pre-pregnancy weight, actually even less than that. And when i gained majorly 2 weeks ago, I told myself I needed to go back to basics. TRACK.TRACK.TRACK! And that is what I did, both this week and last week. Heres a little look at my tracking skills from last week.

I definitely made up for the minor setback the previous weeks by getting rid of 5.6lbs. I exercised 3 out of the 7 days this week, so that probably was a majorly influence as well. I love that weight watchers online lets you look at progress reports like this. I can totally tell where my weaknesses are. For starters, I need to drink waaaaaaaaaaaay more water. But thats always been an issue for me :/ and i think i may need to just start taking a multivitamin before i got to bed when i take my birth control, because I seem to forget taking it the majority of the time.  However, you'll noticed i tracked everylittle nibble, taste, bite, and snack. Even if I went over my points values a couple days. And yes, there were a few days i didnt reach my points plus target, but i honestly wasnt hungry and i need want to eat empty calories for the sake of reach my target.

Now, for what you really want to see, progress pictures. I always hate taking these kind of pictures, but in truth, its what i look for when i read someones diet progress, and considering i havent updated for so long, i figured i kinda owe it to you. So, without further ado, first are the before pictures i took when i joined in January.

And heres my "half-way" pictures. Same outfit. Same pale skin ;)

Its not a huge drastic change, but its my half-way point, and I am DAMN proud of myself! I have my next weigh-in this evening, so hopefully me jumping back on the bandwagon as helped me shed even more, but only the scale will tell....

So to do a quick recap

lbs shed this week: -5.6 (technically this was last week, i wont know till tonight what i did this week)

lbs shed in total: -33 

lbs still need to shed: 17

first goal: 10lbs - reached on 2/13/13

•     reward:  mani/pedi and possibly massage (still havent done this yet)

second goal: 25lbs - reached on 6/6/13

•     reward: new rollerblades (I also got the BOB stroller and with the two its awesome!)

final goal:  50lbs

•     reward: epiphanie camera bag or maybe the 50mm lens ive been dreaming about :)

success: im a tracking maniac! lol, no but seriously, every tiny thing that went into my mouth i made sure to put in my tracker, even if i went over my points.

set-backs: i need to make sure I drink more the minimum amount of water each day. im horrible at this. plus need to start taking a multivitamin too

exercise: rollerblading with matthew in the mornings before breakfast seems to be the best for me. I feel so much better if i get it done early and dont have to worry about it for the rest of my day. Also, walked to/from my parents to swim in the pool with matthew, my neice and nephew. Every little bit of exercise helps!

One last picture, which Im kinda horrified and proud to show. I hate when any picture shows my stomach, but I couldnt not post it because it shows such progress for me! :)

sorry for the bit of underwear display, the pants literally are falling off me lol

So how are all of you doing with your weight-loss journey? Would love to her what has helped keep your momentum going when you hit a plateau or have a bad week!

wednesday weigh-in: week 16

So Ive been really proud of myself all week long. Ive made it a point to go out and walk everyday this week. Even saturday & sunday! Go me! I kind of made it a mommy & baby thing too. You see theres a local park in our neighborhood. Not real big or anything, but definitely holds some sentimental value. Seeing I used to play on that playground when I was little. And softball on the fields till I was in high school! So after I pick up matthew from my sisters I would rush home, throw him in the stroller (not literally) and then walk the long way around the neighborhood, with our final destination being the park. We'd swing a little, climb on the slide, and eat wood chips meet neighbors. Then walk the long way home. Yesterday I even made it a Mommy, Baby, & grandma thing! I convinced my mom to walk with us and then to come over for dinner while hubs was at his award ceremony for work.

Basically, I was feeling good about myself. Considering last week i gained .2lbs (oops did I forget to update last weeks post, my b). And Ive been eating healthier all week. You should see the amount of veggies I have accumulate this week! But back to my point, feeling good, and then all of a sudden I step on the scale this morning. The morning of my weigh-in. The scale Im not supposed to step on, because I weigh in at the meeting not at home. And it looks like Ive gained this week too. How is that possible? I was so good? And its so disappointing. :(

Im not going to get too emotional about it until I weigh-in tonight at the meeting. Hopefully my scale is off/broken? :/ I would hate to feel defeated after all the effort I put in this week. Wish me luck.

lbs shed this week:  -.8 (not too bad, better than gaining like I thought I would)

lbs shed in total: -17.2 

lbs still need to shed: 32.8

first goal: 10lbs - reached on 2/13/13

•     reward:  mani/pedi and possibly massage (still havent done this yet)

second goal: 25lbs

•     reward: new rollerblades (I need these ASAP!!! i want to rollerblade so bad! im hoping my want for these will turn into more motivation!)

final goal:  50lbs

•     reward: epiphanie camera bag

success: exercising everyday this week! eating lots of veggies.

set-backs:  not tracking every day. I do good Thursday & Friday, then the weekend comes and i try to remember in my head but forget to put it in my app, and then by Monday Ive just stopped tracking altogether.

exercise: lots of walking, even if it was only for 20 mins I made sure to do it everyday this week.

wednesday weigh-in: weeks 13/14/15

So lets forget about the whole blogging hiatus i took over the best 2 weeks. Not even really sure what happened. I guess life just gets in the way. Oh well.

The past couple of weeks have been all over the place, including my diet. (i just shivered as i wrote that last word, we all know i hate calling it a diet). Week 13 I did get up and move, aka exercise. I think I did this more so because I knew I would probably gain some weight during week 14 because of Tortuga. And it worked. Week 13 I lost some weight. Unfortunately, as I had expected, even with the amount of walking we did, and let me tell you my legs were hurting for the next 3 days, I still gained for week 14. It wasnt even a whole pound, so i cant get too upset, but still, i would have like to be surprised and lost weight that week. 

 

That basically catches us up to this week. Im not going to be all depressed right now and make excuses for why Im not following the plan religiously. Im just going to say that I need to work harder on myself. I need to make myself, and my body, a priority. I also need to not be so lazy. Go figure. Ive been debating trying to get up earlier in the mornings and walk or exercise before Matthew gets up. But you see i love sleep. :/ and that idea would cut into my precious sleep. You see my problem here? Guess its time to put my big girl panties on and just do it!

Also something i just want to note to myself right here. I know I personally can feel that Ive lost weight, but it sure feels dam good when someone else brings it up. This past friday we had friends over for our normal wine night, and a friend of ours who hasnt seen us in a couple weeks complimented me and said I looked good, and asked if I had lost weight. I always feel awkward when someone compliments me. I dont know what it is, but i never really know what to say back. Of course I said thank you, but you see Im in that transition time, where Ive lost a few pounds, but not nearly close to what I want to loose. And my pants are starting to feel loose, but not necessarily noticeable by an outsider. I guess its just something I need to learn how to do, accept compliments.

 

lbs shed this week: -2.6

lbs shed in total: -17.4

lbs still need to shed: 32.6

first goal: 10lbs - reached on 2/13/13

•     reward:  mani/pedi and possibly massage (still havent done this yet)

second goal: 25lbs

•     reward: new rollerblades

final goal:  50lbs

•     reward: epiphanie camera bag

success: did you see the above? down 2.6 more lbs!!

set-backs: none really

exercise: Walked with mom around the neighborhood 3 nights this week

 

lbs shed this week: +.8

lbs shed in total: -16.6

lbs still need to shed: 33.4

first goal: 10lbs - reached on 2/13/13

•     reward:  mani/pedi and possibly massage (still havent done this yet)

second goal: 25lbs

•     reward: new rollerblades

final goal:  50lbs

•     reward: epiphanie camera bag

success: i would take .8 as a success considering I basically took off for the weekend not caring what I ate or drank

set-backs: gaining a little bit of weight

exercise: Walked ALOT to and from the music festival

 

lbs shed this week:  (will update after meeting tonight)

lbs shed in total: -16.6 (will update after meeting tonight)

lbs still need to shed: 33.4 (will update after meeting tonight)

first goal: 10lbs - reached on 2/13/13

•     reward:  mani/pedi and possibly massage (still havent done this yet)

second goal: 25lbs

•     reward: new rollerblades

final goal:  50lbs

•     reward: epiphanie camera bag

success: we shall see :/

set-backs: not following the plan like i should be

exercise: whats that? lol

wednesday weigh-in: week 11

Late as usual, but did you really expect anything else? :/

This one will be a quick one though. No change this week. Guess i cant be upset. I didnt gain, so therefore Im still on the right track. Technically no relapses. But I still feel like I could have done so much better. And the truth is I could have.

When I stepped onto the scale last night, it actually did go under my previous weeks' weigh-in for a second, but it didnt hold long enough to be counted as that. The lady who weighs me in asked me very nicely, "Did you track this week?" "Track? whats that?" lol. I sound like a broken record, but that is what is going to make or break this lifestyle change.

Im already doing better today. Ive made a challenge to myself to track every single thing. Even if I go over my points values on any of the days, I am going to track it. It will definitely be hard this week with Easter on sunday. There is going to be lots of chocolate bunnys and a magnificently smelling ham at my moms house for Easter dinner.

Oh yeah, and I should probably do some kind of exercise.......

lbs shed this week:   0

lbs shed in total: -15.6

lbs still need to shed: 34.4

first goal: 10lbs - reached on 2/13/13

•     reward:  mani/pedi and possibly massage (still havent done this yet)

second goal: 25lbs (little less than 10lbs to go! really looking forward to this one!)

•     reward: new rollerblades

final goal:  50lbs

•     reward: epiphanie camera bag

success: i guess not gaining could be considered a success

set-backs: same as last week, Not tracking, no exercise, easter candy

exercise: none

wednesday weigh-in: week 10

This really should be called Thursday weigh-in, seeing as my meeting is technically wednesday night and I never really get the chance to post either on the correct day, or with all my updates. But Thursday weigh-in just doesnt have the same ring to it ;)

So this week, I was semi bad again. It didnt necessarily work against me, but I know I need to get back into the rhythm of things. You see, I didnt track, at all, again. However, I think since I didnt track, I was more conscious about what I actually put in my mouth. Does that make sense? lol. Kinda like I knew I was doing bad, so if I ate alot on one day, then I didnt eat as much the next day. Like I was balancing it out. I actually think this is the process of making it a habit. Being conscious of everything you put in your mouth and knowing when and when not to overindulge in something. Which in the end, it worked out in my favor, I shed another 2lbs this week! Yippie for me!!

I was really looking forward to staying for the meeting last night, but unfortunately I didnt get to due to hubby making dinner plans with his mom and sister. Some people can follow the plan by just doing everything online or via their cell, but to me, the program works so much better when you participate in the weekly meetings. That and I feel more accountable, specifically standing on that scale. Sad to say, but if I were to just weigh myself on my own scale (which ive come to the conclusion its literally 4.5lbs off) then if Ive gained its kinda like "Oh no big deal, its only a pound or two," but if I weigh in at the meeting, its someone else telling me, with a disappointed look on their face "well this week you gained, is there something you can contribute this gain too?" Umm yeah, the 3 Reeses peanut butter eggs I ate for breakfast?!?!? those things are addicting by the way.

But anywho, I did good this week, and I plan on getting on track, literally, by tracking everything I put in my mouth. Yes I know I said that last week, but im going to keep telling myself that and maybe it will eventually stick. That and exercise. I was able to get the Zumba Wii game when it was a groupon recently and I just got it in the mail the other day. Im kinda excited to try it out. And whats even better, weigh watchers just added it as an exercise in eTools so I dont have to guess my activity points values.

Also, I know 15.6lbs isnt alot when youre trying to loose a total 50lbs, but let me tell you, when i logged into track my weight and looked at my little progress chart, just to see the little line going down AND never going up, it just put me in a much better mood and gave me a great little confidence boost for the day!

lbs shed this week:   -2

lbs shed in total: -15.6

lbs still need to shed: 34.4

first goal: 10lbs - reached on 2/13/13

•     reward:  mani/pedi and possibly massage (still havent done this yet)

second goal: 25lbs (little less than 10lbs to go! really looking forward to this one!)

•     reward: new rollerblades

final goal:  50lbs

•     reward: epiphanie camera bag

success: another 2lbs down!

set-backs: Not tracking, no exercise, easter candy

exercise: none :( but hoping to start the Zumba Wii

p.s. dont forget today is the last day to enter my giveaway! (not alot of entries so theres a good chance you could be the winner!!)

wednesday weigh-in: week 6

Wow, i guess I spoke to soon about the whole exercise issue. This week I didnt get on the elliptical once. But if I want to really be technical we did spend most of the weekend outside walking around. We went to the Coconut Grove art Festival in Miami on Saturday. Then on Sunday I took Matthew to the local Italian Festival with my sis and her family. I also bought the Weight Watchers "Punch" workout kit last night at BJ's, so Im oing to try and do it tomorrow during my lunch break.

And if were being extremely honest here, I was absolutely horrible with tracking this week. I think what started my downhill spiral was Valentines Day last Thursday. My mother-in-law came over to watch Matthew while me and hubs went out to dinner and the movies. And lets just say, I thought I did well with dinner until I actually looked up the points for the entire I selected. Note to self: Check points values before ordering, not after. Salad is not always the healthiest option, sometimes one of the lower carb options available on the menu is a better choice.

But needless to say, since I didnt track that night, I kind of just didnt track at all this week. I know it absolutely inexcusable, but as Ive always said, this week is a new week, so just do better starting now!

Sorry this weeks post is so short. As per usual, majorly busy today at work and trying not to be late for my meeting tonight so I should probably head out now.

lbs shed this week:  -.4

lbs shed in total: -11.2

lbs still need to shed: 38.8

first goal: 10lbs - reached on 2/13/13

•     reward:  mani/pedi and possibly massage

second goal: 25lbs

•     reward: new outfit? hair salon?

final goal:  50lbs

•     reward: epiphanie camera bag

success: none as of now, we will see once I get on the scale tonight if that was a success

set-backs: no exercising and not tracking

exercise: technically none, but did walk alot of the weekend

wednesday weigh-in: week 4

This week Ive come to realize that even if I do get rid of the amount of pounds I want to, my body itself is not going to go back to the way it was before I was pregnant. Not that I had a great body before, but its just different now. I had stretch marks before, but not in the places I have them now, particularly my stomach. And even with dropping close to 35lbs off the bat thanks to breastfeeding, I now have extra skin in areas I dont want either.

I really dont mean to start this post off in a negative manner. Because honestly thats not what Im trying to do. Im proud of my body and what it endured in order to old a precious life for 9-10 months. I wouldnt take that back for the world. But with this realization, that Ive changed, in more ways than one, Ive also realized that Im going to have to work even harder to get back in shape.

Which means, I hate to say it, because I honestly dont want to, but I need to start exercising. The eating healthy part has always come relatively easy for me with diets. Its the working out part that I tend to slack on. And being a mom (i know thats not an excuse but bare with me) i feel like i never have time to do it. Again i know thats not an excuse, but when i have extra time i like to relax. I feel like im always tired. Ironic i know because its know that exercise actually helps increase your energy levels.

So basically Ive come to the conclusion i NEED to MOVE! Funny how tonights meeting was all about creating our own moving plan. I was so glad I stayed for the meeting even though my sis and bro-in-law werent able to. Besides talking about getting started moving, i got to listen to alot of the lifetime members talk about what has and hasnt worked for them. I needed to hear this because although i didnt gain this week I also didnt get rid of a significant amount either.

My mini goal for this coming week is to exercise at least once. I know that may not sound like at lot to some of you but for me it at least gives me a starting point.

Any advice from those who lack the motivation to exercise but have found something that works for them, PLEASE share!

lbs shed this week: -.4

lbs shed in total: -8.4

lbs still need to shed: 41.6

first goal: 10lbs

•     reward: maybe a trip to the hair salon?

second goal: 25lbs

•     reward: new outfit?

final goal:  50lbs

•     reward: epiphanie camera bag

success: exploring different healthier recipes

set-backs: ate way to many frozen meals this week. Wish I wouldve cooked more, but i just felt like i didnt have the time this week. And not exercising. :(

exercise: none, but i am going to this week, so you better hold me accountable

wednesday weigh-in: week 3

So not sure if everyone saw that I updated last weeks weigh-in on Saturday, but I ended up gaining slightly. It was only a small amount so Im not going to kill myself over it, but it still does get me down a little. I told myself a few thing after I got on that scale 1) at least you didnt gain more and 2) that just means I have to work harder this coming week. Which I wish I could say I did, but I have a feeling I didnt. It isnt anything in particular, but to start with it was a shorter week between weigh-ins (Sat - tonight).

One thing I am so very proud of myself for this week is that I started to explore more with healthier recipes, both cooking and baking. And yes there is a major difference, I can bake basically anything, cooking on the other hand I tend to completely and udderly destroy not do so well with. But thanks to one of my lovely readers (thanks samantha!) i found a couple of awesome sources for healthy recipes. This week alone I made Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf Muffins (perfect for portion control), an Apple Cinnamon Tart, and a Slow Cooker Apple Bacon BBQ Chicken. (notice I have a thing for apples? lol) I made sure to have the hubs try each one, and even made some for my sis and bro-in-law to try as well to get there opinions. Mostly good reviews, a few minor tweaks needed for others.

I also realized that although I have blatantly stated that Im following the Weight Watchers program, I havent really talked in depth about how it works. Not that Im a professional when it comes to it, but I figured for those of you wondering exactly how it works I could maybe give you a  little insight.

1. First you get a personalized daily PointPlus Target.
• Its based on you height, weight, age and gender
• You must eat your daily target points, but if you go over you have a weekly points allowance you can borrow from (but no rollovers lol)
2. Every food has a PointsPlus value
• Its calculated based on the foods content of protein, fiber, fat, and carbs
• They even have a calculator and barcode scanner in the app that makes it super easy for you
3. Fresh Fruit and most veggies are 0 PointsPlus value
• So STOCK up!!!
• And try to eat at least 1 fruit or veggie with each meal or snack (this has helped me ALOT!)
4. You can even earn MORE points each day for activity
• These points swap one-for-one with food points, but you can also choose not to swap them, its up to you
• You can figure out how many activity points youve earned a few ways
1. The pocket guide you receive during your first meeting gives a a great chart that calculates using your weight, duration of activity, and level of exertion
2. If you have eTools there is a whole database of activities that you can just plug in
3. Or if you are an ActiveLink subscriber you can wear the little device and it monitors your daily activity and automatically syncs with your eTools

I also found this great comparison chart on the difference between Weight Watchers and all the other quick fad diets and thought it was a great reference. I know Ive personally been one to fall for quick fix diets and they never work for me in the long run. As Ive mentioned before, weight watchers is a lifestyle change!

 I hope this helped answer any of your questions. If you want to know more about any particular topic just comment below and Ill try to answer the best I can.

On to this weeks summary

lbs shed this week: -2.8

lbs shed in total: -7.6 

lbs still need to shed: 42.4 

first goal: 10lbs

•     reward: maybe a trip to the hair salon?

second goal: 25lbs

•     reward: new outfit?

final goal:  50lbs

•     reward: epiphanie camera bag

success: exploring different healthier recipes

set-backs: i admit, i stepped on my home scale multiple times this week. I know i shouldnt, but i guess since im doubting my progress this week i wanted to see if i was doing better, but it only made me feel guilty for every little thing i put in my mouth.

exercise: none this week, but I think its about time to start incorporating it into my routine. im thinking walking, rollerblading, or maybe even bike riding (i saw a cute little seat that matthew can sit in while i ride!)

wednesday weigh-in: week 2

I wish I could say I feel as confident this week as I did last week. Technically speaking i dont know how my progress has gone this week. Im in New York right now for work, and I was going to try and venture to one of the WW meetings up here, but umm have you turned on the tv? its like way to effing cold here.

so this south floridian will not be venturing out into the freezing temperatures to try and find that meeting. Instead, ill wait until I get back home and probably go to the Saturday morning weigh-in. But I still wanted to give a quick update on how I feel I did this week.

We again had another birthday to celebrate over this past 3day weekend. Hubs best friends bday was on Monday and we took him out to dinner at champps americana. I did look up all the entrees before we left the house to try and pick the healthiest lowest in points option. However, that didnt last very long when everyone decided to order the sampler appetizer. And I even told myself that the bread that came with my salad I was NOT going to eat. But I was weak. And I admit, I ate all 4 pieces. But as usual I made sure to track every single bite.

And I told myself that New York was not going to jeopardize my good streak. But again, life happens, and when your boss invites you and your coworkers out for lunch at an italian restaurant, you just cant say no ;) So I had my pizza. And now Im feeling guilty. And Im sure to tomorrow is going to be just as difficult since we will be meeting at a nearby hotel for our kickoff meeting where breakfast and lunch will be served. Wish me luck.

lbs shed this week: +.6

lbs shed in total: -4.8

lbs still need to shed: 45.2

first goal: 10lbs

• reward: maybe a trip to the hair salon?

second goal: 25lbs

•     reward: new outfit?

final goal:  50lbs

•     reward: epiphanie camera bag

success: not letting the little setbacks ruin my end goal. there are going to be days I dont do as well as I had hoped, but im not going to let that lead into a downward spiral. im going to start new the very next day, back on plan. oh and make sure to track every bite even if I do have setbacks.

set-backs: another birthday celebration, new york......

exercise: does walking new york city blocks in the freezing cold weather count for anything?

wednesday weigh-in: week 1

So first of all, let me just say that it was absolutely wonderful walking back into my meeting last Wednesday night. It felt like I was supposed to be there. And it was an extra plus that even though I had been gone 2+ years, everyone remembered me (at least the people who work there). Im actually friends with my meeting leader and the ladies who do the "weigh-in" part on facebook, so they get to stay somewhat in touch/up-to-date with my life. So the "Oh my gosh! Good to see you!" and the "Your lil one is sooooo adorable!" and "Where's your mom?" (she did it with us last time, but we havent quite convinced her to sign up again this time) were all such welcoming words to hear!

Regarding the actual program itself, it hasnt changed much. Still the basic principles. The points are now called PointsPlus. To me, there were only 2 major differences. 1) we now count carbs (before they werent part of the equation to calculate points) and 2) Fruits are now 0 points. Which means that a few of my favorite low points staples are now about 1-2 points higher than before. However, the amount of points you get in a day are also higher. That one actually shocked me. I was used to having like 26-27 points, and when they calculated my points this time I was allowed 36 points. Now I know I technically way more this time, so that accounts for some extra points, but man, i just feel like 36 is a whole lot!

OK, sorry, back to the actual progress report. I knew there would be somewhat of a challenge for me starting the program, last week in particular. For one, we would be celebrating hubs, my moms, and my bro-in-laws bday on Sunday and we were going out with our friends Sat night for hubs bday dinner. Needless to say, I was faced with many choices.

And, to tell you the truth, I think thats all this really is, its all about making choices, the right choices, the healthy choices. Now Ill be honest here, since the program allows us 49 weekly allowance points, I didnt completely make the best choices at dinner Sat night. Like I totally had 3 pieces of the garlic cheesy bread :( but, i did track it. All of it. Even the pizza.

However, I did hit up the local fresh market on Saturday morning and scored a bunch of fruits & veggies. Which means, dinners and snacks have consisted of lots of healthy food. Even hubs said dinner the other night, which consisted of a baked pork chop, broccoli, and a large loaded with veggies salad, was "Good." And for those that know me, I dont cook, so a "Good" is very good in my book! Plus, after the fresh market I stopped by a friends house who was having a garage sale and picked up a basically brand new Weight Watchers Cookbook (points plus and all) for $1. My first recipe I made out of it? French Apple Tart. It was yummy! I can share the recipe for ya if anyones interested.

Oh and just something I wanted to mention here (Again maybe just to hold my self accountable). Ths time around, Im going to do things differently. I remember last time I did this I would basically not eat on weigh-in days. I would make sure to wear the lightest dress possible (you know so I dont have those extra lbs from my clothes? lol). And I would stress over getting on the scale. This time Im NOT doing that. Ive been eating healthy all day. Like a normal person. Im not changing my outfit before I leave. And Im not going to hop on the scale all week long. Im going to try and only do it on weigh-in days.  But, I will probably pee before I get on the scale because you know thats gonna help me drop 5lbs right? ;)

lbs shed this week: -5.4

lbs shed in total: -5.4

lbs still need to shed: 44.6

first goal: 10lbs

• reward: maybe a trip to the hair salon?
  (my niece informed me that my hair is light brown, "except at the top where its closer to black")

second goal: 25lbs

•     reward: new outfit?

final goal:  50lbs

•     reward: epiphanie camera bag

success: made sure to track every little thing! It helps make you accountable for it later. And always remember:

set-backs: birthday celebrations = italian food aka - cheesey garlic bread, pizza, & cannolis

exercise: zilch, eventually Ill get there, i just want to focus on getting back on the plan first.

So hows your journey to a healthier you going? Any progress? Set-backs? Tasty recipes? Please share!

wednesday weigh-in

Its official. Im starting weight watchers again. Like I said on Friday, there are no more excuses. Matthew is now 7 months old and I should be back to my old weight by now. Or better yet, i should be back to my ideal weight. Ive done the weight watchers plan a few times before and I know it definitely works. And it is really all about fitting it into your own life.

I say this because, yes, Ive done the program multiple times, with multiple successful endings. But they were at different times in my life. The first time I did it I was still in college. I dont didnt cook, i ate alot of fast food, and had no time (between full time school, internship, and full time waitress) to exercise at all. So I was successful by literally eating all the frozen, SmartOnes meals for every meal of the day. Can you say sodium overload? Which in my eyes at the time, I had no problem with. I shed close to 20lbs. And was happy with how it worked, but Ill admit, I think I quit from boredom with the meals. (not the programs fault, but more of my own)

The second time I was out of college, newly engaged, and had a particular deadline (my wedding) to shed the pounds for. I think it was the goal part that motivated me this time. I also got my mom, sister, and best friend involved too, since they saw how easily I was shed the weight last time. Plus, I started exploring more on how I could be creative with the little bit of cooking I knew how to do.  In the end, I think I weighed the second lowest I had my entire life! (the first being sophomore year in high school when I was on the softball team) With a total of over 35lbs shed by my wedding day. I had accomplished my goal. I fit into a gown I only dreamed I could ever fit into. Dare I even say "I looked HOT" for my honeymoon. The same honeymoon that had an open buffet practically 24/7. The same honeymoon I came back from 5lbs heavier and hit with the holiday season of delicious delights back to back.

Ill take 100% responsibility when i say "I got LAZY." I gave up. Going back to my old ways by default. Making myself believe I was giving my self a "break" and would easily jump back on the program whenever I felt like it. Then a few weeks went by. I was embarrassed to go back to my meetings. Even though I knew damn well my leader and other members would welcome me back with open arms and encourage me to not let the past hinder me from making healthier choices now. Then a few months went by. I was back to my heavy point. And then I received the most wonderful news I could ever imagine. I was pregnant! There was a little baby growing inside of me. Out the window went any thought of a diet. I did tell myself I wouldnt become one of those "eating for two" pregnant ladies, and I didnt. But I still gained close to 30lbs by the end of my pregnancy.

I always new I would go back to Weight Watchers when I was ready. And that time has finally come. Tonight is my first meeting. 6:30pm. With my old leader. And bonus? My sis and brother-in-law are doing it with me too!

Im not going to share my actual weight here (bc what woman wants to do that? lol) but I will be sharing my progress, be it with pics or pounds ive shed. Ill share my ups, downs, and in-betweens. And hopefully by doing this I can hold myself somewhat accountable. Lets start with a before picture:

Oh and just so that I make this extremely clear, this is not a resolution. As Ive said before, I hate that word. To me, this is more a lifestyle change. A goal for me to be healthier, not only for myself, but for my son. And a goal for me to look & feel better, not only for myself, but for my husband. And for the rest of you out their who are trying to do the same, even if it is one of your resolutions, I ask for you to join with me and share your progress, challenges, and healthy tips! Good Luck to ALL of us!